Memphis basketball is in a good position in the NCAA Tournament picture after a solid nonconference slate. The Tigers have earned wins over Clemson, Ole Miss, UConn and Michigan State, which should leave plenty of buffer in AAC play.

Clemson basketball has solid footing in the NCAA Tournament picture as conference play continues in January. The Tigers have quality wins against Kentucky and Penn State and no losses outside of Quadrant 2.

Tennessee basketball's unbeaten non-conference record sets the Vols up well in the NCAA Tournament picture. The Vols (13-0) will have numerous chances to add to a 3-0 Quadrant 1 record via a daunting SEC schedule. Wins over Illinois and Baylor earlier this season will also help.

Wisconsin basketball checked in at No. 25 in the latest installation of the NCAA Men’s Basketball NET Rankings on Saturday. After sitting at No. 33 entering Friday’s contest against Iowa, Wisconsin leapfrogged several programs to claim the No.

But even as Illinois (10-3, 2-1 Big Ten) was learning more about itself and pollsters were cool toward the Illini during their hit-or-miss run in proving-ground games, the data-based NCAA NET rankings were comparatively higher.